While the original post was intended to discuss your change in party affiliation I will go slightly off-topic and thank you for educating children, an often thankless and always under-recognized job.
Why? why would reasonable men let this happen? I assume it is a case of niche marketing run amuck. There is so much money to be made in right wing info-tainment, the easy appeal of the visceral and base, that it boomed and bloomed to take over the GOP from any inclusive, thoughtful statesmanship. That sh** don't move product. Like all booms though it will be cyclical. When everyone is crazy, you don't stand out buy being crazy. I'll predict the next fervor to take the country by storm will be.... a religious left revival. People will tire of me-ism and rich-ism and desire a cohesive society with real Christian values. A pious, humble leader with a message of personal accountability will emerge as a national phenomenon. (real Linsanity)
the reasonable republicans are dying. they were wwii generation. the younger generation misunderstood the lessons. they think conservatism is about selfishness. these new guys don't even want public schools
Post #18 sorta summed up better than anything I could have typed. But spend a week with me in going to my teaching job and you can also see why I made the change.
Seems like I read a few types of these posts from you in the past few months. "I quit the republican party, I quit the christian church, I quit my wife who was using/abusing me and spending all of my hard earned money." Why don't you just make one thread and give it this title? : "Hay guys, I started using my brain, finally"
As someone who works in literacy issues and education, especially among disadvantaged youths, I can fully agree with this sentiment. You can really see how the system has failed some kids, and it is truly heartbreaking. These kids give it their all, but the deck is stacked against them in the first place. One of the saddest examples I can think of (I definitely was holding back tears on this) <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2I0FJNsK-fo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> I truly think that if you have ever worked in education, or with the working poor, you begin to see a different portrait than that type-cast by the ruling classes, and so it is natural to see all sets of issues from a different perspective. Anyways, Manny, I don't really know you that well, but welcome to the other side. We have (communist) parties!
Politics shouldn't be treated like a team in which you feel the need to change sides simply because you are hurt by one of the partys ideology. There are good democrats and bad democrats. There are good republicans and bad republicans. The truth remains that most of the politicians in Washington are horrible. Its really sad to see people stand behind them like a savior simply because that particular politician is on their "team". There are no candidates in the republican primary that I have liked or thought would be a good president. I will at least acknowledge that Ron Paul stands by his convictions. I will certainly NOT be voting for Santorum or Gingrich. Romney is just another Obama. At this point, I almost rather have a Republican congress and a democratic president to reduce both parties destroying this country.
Riiiiiight. So you voted twice, lied or cannot even remember something this simple. I am more of a Dem than you were a republican. But congrats on your "change". http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php?p=539237&postcount=4
No, although I wish I had. Sadly, the Sub-Continent is a huge area and I was lucky to see as much of it as I did. I've seen a much higher percentage of the Netherlands and Switzerland. ;-)- I have spent time in Lisbon, though.
Yes, I did make a comment about doubting Christianity and possibly going agnostic. But I don't remember it going further than that - if it did, it was not supposed to. I'm glad you were there, SacTown, last June when I got my whole face slapped off by my ex. Also glad to know that you knew about how she left me around my birthday (in July) and only came back because her mother was tired of putting up with her ****. So if you are implying that I left her first - she had already left (mentally) well before me. So, I don't know what you were trying to accomplish other than trying to look like a little smug smartass that you are. Yes, I have posted some things about my personal life here but if you are going to twist them and/or not state them correctly, then I'll have to slap you down.
Good find. I had forgotten about that - so I guessed that I did vote for Gore. That shows you how apathetic I have been about politics. But I am glad that we have people like you, CaseyH, to keep "liars" like myself from pulling the wool over others eyes. Does this mean that I have to buy your van that you pimp so much around here?
Manny, Congrats on joining the teaching profession and quitting the Republican('t) party. I am a teacher as well, and I completely understand how your perspective changes after teaching inner-city youth. I teach in one of the most impoverished areas of Phoenix, and while it's difficult, it is very rewarding. The conservative mindset is really damaging to our profession, teachers in general and our "kids." Education is not equal, especially when you consider the rate of poverty for the younger generation. I can't tell you how many republicans I come into contact with that generally believe that teaching is something easy and that my measly salary (less than $40,000) is equal to the amount of work I put in. Mind you, I used to make bank working for the Denver Post. So, teaching was a life choice more than anything. My mother was a stern republican, my father more of the liberal, but I cannot fathom agreeing with the majority of conservative viewpoints, especially as they relate to education, society, people, teachers, children, minority and poverty. Some days it's sickening to listen to how Mitt and the rich "Right" try to explain poverty and its relation to education. Yes, plenty of liberals are rich, but for the most part, they're more open to exploring the inequality of education. Welcome to the progressive, kind side of life. What grade do you teach?
Pipe down. My post was positive. I think you are making good decisions in your life. You nearly let a woman who clearly didn't give a crap about you almost ruin your life. Props for getting out of that. It doesn't matter who left who. You are out of it and free from that disaster. Everyone here knew it was a disaster every single time you posted about your marriage. Seems like you are happier now and on your way to more happiness, as long as you don't have another brain fart and let a woman use you like she did. Man up.
I agree with this, it almost gets to a point of civil war because it doesn't even become about issues or values, but now just blind faith in your party or hate in the other party, it is almost sad to see the ignoranc and sometiems its not about your views winning but doing what it takes to make sure the other side loses. It just all turns horribly negative. I share views from both, socially maybe leaning left and economically in some ways leaning right, but I still don't do anything just to be apart of one party, but as an individual I take into acount all sides and mix and match. The closest bet I can see is Ron Paul. He is the only politician that is not running around making false promises and trying to maniuplate and lie to them and play games taht people eat up, and yes both sides do this. here you have someoen honest, and he is all about liberty. while I don't agree with some of his economic policies and think regulation needs reform rather than abolishment. This is where the checks and balance system comes in and I think with that, he won't be able to institute the extremes he wants and I will find a happy compromise. He is probably the last person you can trust in terms of underhand deals, etc in politics.
Cod, I teach primarily 9th grade and 10th grade, specifically Algebra I and Algebra II. I must get at least once a week sometimes twice the question, "When are we ever going to use this in the real world." My answer is always, "Probably never but you want to graduate high school?" (To which they respond yes) and then I say, "Then you will use it for the EOC test." I teach in an area where there aren't many jobs and education isn't a big priority. It is an area that many other teachers refuse to teach there or want to get out ASAP. So many of the kids I am teaching are being raised by a single parent, grandparents, or are even foster kids. It just makes me sad that these kids don't even have a chance at the very get go to be successful. The democratic party seems to have a little more compassion for these individuals than the other party. And don't even get me started on the new evaluation system for teachers! But at least TN got a waiver on the "No Child Left Behind" Act so that will help somewhat.
OK. I'm just sensitive about the whole thing because it has been thrown in my face that I "left first" which isn't necessarily true. I knew deep down in my heart that I had made a mistake but was determined to make it work. I mean my parents have been married since the end of 1965 - divorce is something that just does not happen in our family. Ultimately, I had to say enough is enough and that my happiness means something. I just hate it that it also meant getting to see my 3 year old son only about 80 days a year.
If you are a teacher could you run over your own posts with a red pen before hitting Submit? Thanks What this shows is: 1. You were never a republican. 2. You love to be the guy that says "Hey I used to be this and EVEN I blah blah blah" to try to give your arguments false credibility. It is weak. I am more of a democrat than you were a republican. I voted against Bush twice. Keep my van out of your mouth, you could never afford it.
As an independent, can you tell us which issues you think the Republicans are correct on or at least have better solutions than Democrats? I have friends who are independents and what that almost always means is: A. They are Republicans who are embarrassed to admit it B. They don't know dick about politics but are embarrassed to admit it I've read your posts and you absolutely do not fit in either of those groups so I'm wondering why you would prefer not to identify with a group that you feel is the better option of the two 99% of the time (I'm obviously speculating here but you seem to lean toward the Dems hard based on your posts).
I have a good memory but asking me to remember something from 10 years ago when I stated how apathetic I was is a stretch for me. But you seem to base your whole argument against me on that one thing. As I said before, congrats. What else are you wanting besides acting like a grade A numbnuts? People can change their views on all kinds of things as they get older. It is called maturing. Look into it. Outside of a personal crisis on my faith, this is the only other time I have had made such a proclamation and especially in this forum. But I am so glad that you have me pegged, CaseyH! I can tell that my decision has really grinded your gears. Why - I am not so sure. Great! Who gives a rat's ass about your voting tendencies. I have a job and steady income, right? That is all that is needed to buy that POS.
